Description
Book SynopsisShaping Truth, Reshaping Justice is the first scholarly analysis of the Nigerian truth commission and provides academic material for a comparative study of African truth commissions. It relates to other academic analyses of truth commissions by uniquely providing an exposition and examination of the Nigerian truth experience.
Trade ReviewNwogu'sShaping Truth, Reshaping Justice, the first published account of the Nigerian truth commission, is richly researched, rigorously argued, and superbly written. It is a remarkably insightful analysis of the device of the truth commission and its potential to transform the culture of malevolent governance. This book will form the defining reference point for any future work on the subject. -- Makau Mutua, Buffalo Law School, State University of New York
In this illuminating and accessible work, Nneoma Nwogu examines the question of restorative or retributive justice through trial tribunals and truth commissions.... Nwogu brilliantly reveals a notion of transitional societies beyond the usual politico-economic ideas of underdevelopment by including the reality of unresolved conflicts and failed justice systems from the point of view of victims and the masses. Yet truth is not enough and has to be contextualized as a necessary part of justice. This book is original and an important contribution to a limited, but growing field in African Studies with a new perspective on social justice through truth and trial. -- Ifi Amadiume, Dartmouth College
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Foreword Chapter 2 Introduction Chapter 3 Chapter 1. Truth Commissions as a Justice Mechanism Chapter 4 Chapter 2. Nigeria's Truth Commission: The HRVIC Chapter 5 Chapter 3. A Case Study: The Ohaneze Petition and the Arewa Response Chapter 6 Chapter 4. The Politics of Unintended Consequences Chapter 7 Chapter 5. Situating the HRVIC Chapter 8 Afterword
